Comment Dates Set on FCC’s Tower Impact on Birds Proposal

April 5, 2011

WASHINGTON: Comment are due May 5 on the Federal
Communications Commission proposal regarding the impact of new towers on
migratory birds. The draft proposal was published in the Federal Register
today (April 5).

The FCC is seeking feedback on how to site new towers with minimal impact on
flyways. The commission was ordered by a federal court three years ago to
increase public participation in its approval process for tower applications,
and whether all new sites should undergo an environmental assessment before
construction is allowed.

The proposed rules would require applicants to notify the public in local media
about planned tower construction. The applications would also be published on
the FCC website for public comment. If it is determined that an environmental
assessment is required, that will be considered before the FCC’s official
Antenna Structure Registration document is filed. The proposed rules would also
require an environmental assessment for all new towers more than 450 feet.